I hope this finds you well. I am messaging this forum on the request of any evidence that you might need an animal deterrence system while tent camping? The reason for the request is I am creating a concept product for a mosquito Repellent system and larger animal deterrence system for my A-level Coursework.
I would love to know what experiences you have had, heard of, or know of about larger animal activity while camping. I already know mosquitos is somewhat a problem, but I am unsure of if there is significant animal activity around your campsite to need a deterrence system.
If there is any other problems to tent camping that you know is prominent for many others, I would love to hear about it!
Tales are occasionally told of various small creatures (usually unidentified species!) 'visiting' tents/caravan awnings in various ways, but never a personal experience of mine in near 60 years of camping, save on one occasion a Mole pushed up a Mole hill under my airbed (no damage done, just a lumpy bed!) if that counts.
Insects can be another matter! Always wise to check pitch carefully for ant activity BEFORE pitching. Ants are creatures of habit, and plonking a tent on an established path is NOT going to stop them!
Food storage can be an issue, attracting all sorts of insects, air tight plastic containers, sealed camping 'larders' with tightly zipped 'doors', and hanging food in bags from a high point rather than placing on the ground, or on tables etc. stood on the ground are common ways of minimising infestation.
Mozzies and midges etc., are VERY dependent on environmental factors, location, season etc., but also the great problem, that some people ATTRACT them, and some people REPEL them quite naturally!
I think, for most of us, with experience of camping, solutions to problems are found, and become common practice without really thinking about it, so we automatically put the sweet cakes etc. in a sealed container rather than leave loose for the bugs to get to, we inspect the pitch for potential unwelcome guests BEFORE pitching tent etc.
Then again, many of us are at ease with being in and amongst 'nature', most of it will go about it's own business without being a menace or nuisance to us, so we don't seek to eliminate it from 'our' space too much. For my part, I quite like the notion that I'm having minimal impact, and all sorts of creatures are happy to carry on around me, if I get a glimpse of a vole or hedgehog, or a bird scurrying around my pitch, I feel privileged to have seen them.
Most modern tents with SIGs are relatively bug proof, IF you use the mesh doors properly and don't leave it wide open. Good practice like NOT leaving loose food, crumbs, and rubbish bags around to attract rodents and insects deals with a LOT of the potential problems.
The VAST majority of creatures are cautious, as they are 'prey' to bigger creatures, so they will keep away from strange things, noises and activity until they become familiar and no longer perceived them as a threat. Country creatures and urban creatures often develop VERY different behaviour, an urban Fox or rat etc. will be bold and venture out any time of the day, not be unduly disturbed by people, dogs etc., but you'll be hard pressed to see their rural cousins!
Thank you very much for your reply. I, personally, have rarely had many interactions with wildlife having lived in the Brecon Beacons and gone on many trips out into nature. But, you have put my assumptions in great words and have consolidated the fact of self-discipline being the answer. I think I will still pursue the camping product idea but will probably take it down another route to making camping more accessible to all.
Midges, mosquitoes, wasps, bluebottles & other flies, hedgehogs, field mice, free range dogs, free range chickens, free range feral children…. Had them all. Do roe deer count? Had them too.
There’s no “one deterrent fits all”. Especially when fly spray damages the tent material so you can’t use it on the feral child peering in your tent door (I’m joking….: just making a point that no one deterrent will solve everything).
Good luck with the project though, whatever you decide to do.
Quote: Originally posted by Fiona W on 09/9/2024
Midges, mosquitoes, wasps, bluebottles & other flies, hedgehogs, field mice, free range dogs, free range chickens, free range feral children…. Had them all. Do roe deer count? Had them too.
There’s no “one deterrent fits all”. Especially when fly spray damages the tent material so you can’t use it on the feral child peering in your tent door (I’m joking….: just making a point that no one deterrent will solve everything).
.....
Laughing till it near hurts! - We don't need a new device, we all just need a 'Fiona W' pitched close enough to us to attract all the 'pests' away from us, but not so close that the 'pests' impact us!
Personally, I have a mate called 'John' who deals with the Mozzies for us, they bleed him near dry, but they are so busy with him, they leave the rest of us alone! After an hour or two in the evening, he's got so many bite lumps and bumps, he resembles the Elephant Man! Are we sympathetic? - hell no, we're revelling in our non-bitten comfort, and he's never caught anything nasty yet!
..... you can't use bug spray on 'feral children'! Why on earth not, does it not harm them sufficiently! I'm inclined to swat them too, if only I could get them with the high voltage bug zapping bat, the sight and sound of frying and smouldering brat! ... now am I joking or not!!!!!
Thank you Fiona for brightening my day with your 'experiences'.
We had a spiny red crayfish in our awning this afternoon waving it's claws at us - that was quite a shock to the system! Apparently they are a problem in France now as an "introduced" species, taking over the natural species of crayfish (much like the red/grey squirrel scenario in the UK).
The only time I can recall seeing an animal in the awning was a leopard and this was in Africa. Woke up during the night with this animal staring at me. It was about 2 foot from my face. Not realising it was a leopard I shoo'ed it away and it left. It was only the next morning when looking at the footprints I realised that it was a leopard. Obviously I was not fat enough at the time! LOL!
Bothered once by wild boar piglets at a site in France, and on another mating toads underneath the tent SIG.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
I do agree that seagulls are a menace. We have a problem with them at home. Our neighbour insists on feeding them, right next to our caravan. We have to keep it covered for protection, even the car has to be covered. As soon as the covers are off, you can hear the gulls squawking the dambusters march as they use the car/caravan for target practice.
Now, if you can find a means of repelling gulls, I am sure you could soon become a millionaire.
Quote: Originally posted by Ancient Uncle on 11/9/2024
Now, if you can find a means of repelling gulls, I am sure you could soon become a millionaire.
Gulls were kept away from the outdoor eating area at Royal Troon during The Open (golf) by someone walking around with a bird of prey - on their wrist, shoulder or flying from post to post. The birds “worked” 2 hours. Harris Hawk, Eagle Hawk etc: beautiful & extremely effective because the gulls didn’t even fly overhead, never mind swooping to snatch food.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: do you need an animal deterrence system?
via mobile 09/9/2024 at 4:57pm
After an hour or two in the evening, he's got so many bite lumps and bumps, he resembles the Elephant Man! Are we sympathetic? - hell no, we're revelling in our non-bitten comfort, and he's never caught anything nasty yet!
